Metro Hotel Tower Mill, Brisbane

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Metro Hotels Winter Australia Accommodation Discounts

Now that Winter is upon us, Metro Hotels would like to welcome their guests for a nation-wide Winter warm up!

Below are some accommodation specials around Australia that may interest you for the chilly months ahead.

Melbourne VIC

Metro Apartments on Bank Place is offering this winter warmer accommodation special for $175.00* staying in a one bedroom apartment including:

Free unlimited wireless Internet
Bottle of wine on arrival
Late check-out of 11am
Continental boxed breakfast for two

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/303

Brisbane QLD

Metro Hotel Tower Mill is offering this winter warmer hotel special for $123.00* per night staying in an executive double room including:

2 full hot buffet breakfasts
Free car parking
Free wireless Internet
Late check out till 12 noon

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/309

Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone is offering this winter special for only $150.00* per night with:

Late checkout of 12.00 noon available on Saturday & Sunday

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/310

Metro Hotel Ipswich International is offering this warm up in Ipswich hotel special for $149.00* per night staying in a Superior Queen including:

Hot chocolate welcome pack
Breakfast
Free Internet
Free Parking
$30.00 voucher when 2 people dine in the Restaurant for a two course meal

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/311

Perth WA

Metro Hotel Perth is offering this winter weekender hotel package for $299.00 per night staying in an executive room including:

Late Check out
Breakfast for two
Sparkling wine on arrival
Chocolates on arrival
$10.00 Coles voucher per stay

Offer is valid Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/304

Sydney NSW

Metro Hotel Miranda is offering this Baby It's Cold Outside hotel package for $105.00* per night staying in a standard balcony queen OR twin room including:

Hot chocolate and Raisin toast
Free internet
Free car parking
Late checkout of 11AM

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/308

Metro Hotel on Pitt is offering this Winter Sydney CBD getaway hotel special for $134.00 per room per night including:

Free wireless internet
A bottle of wine on arrival
Late check out of 12 noon
Staying in a Standard\Single\double\twin room (Subject to availability)

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/306

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering this Winter great saver hotel package for $129.00 per room per night including:

Free wireless internet
Free Breakfast for 2 adult
Free bottle of wine on arrival
Free late check out by 12 noon (Subject to availability)

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/307

Metro Apartments on King is offering this Winter warmer special including:

Free Sparkling wine
Chocolates

At $179.00 Sunday-Thursday, $279.00 Friday-Saturday (minimum 2 night stay).

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/167

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour is offering this Winter warmer accommodation special staying in an executive apartment including:

Free Sparkling Wine
Free Chocolates
Late checkout of 12 noon

$229.00* Sunday-Thursday, $349.00* Friday-Saturday (*minimum two night stay).

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/298

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Monday, May 27, 2013

History of The Old Tower Mill, Brisbane

Brisbane's Tower Mill is the oldest surviving building in Queensland, having been built in 1824 under the direction of Commandant Logan. It is located in Observatory Park on the southern side of Wickham Temce and is a major landmark of the City of Brisbane.

The Tower Mill (or Old Wind Mill as it is sometimes known) is one of only two Brisbane buildings remaining from the convict era (the other is the Commissariat Store built in 1829). It has the longest historical record of any building in Queensland.

The Old Windmill originally had wind-powered sails. The grinding of the grains was done by treadmill from October, 1828, with the wind-powered sails being used from December, 1828. It played a vital role in the existence of the Moreton Bay penal settlement by providing flour for survival of the colony.

In the late 1830s the miller was Martin Frawley, who still operated the mill for the free settlement in 1845 as an ex-convict. The government put the windmill up for auction in 1849, but such was the local outcry that it was retained as a landmark for public use.

The Tower Mill also served as Queensland's museum of natural history from 1862 to 1868.

During the 1890s the roof was used by the local fire brigade for night fire-spotting.

In June 1922 the Tower Mill and its surrounding reserve became the Observatory Park by an Order of the Governor in Council and control of the park was transferred to the Brisbane City Council as trustees.

In 1923 the Queensland Institute of Radio Engineers began using the site for experiments in radio signalling which continued until 1926. From 1926 the lessees were Dr V. McDowell and Thomas Elliot who successfully engaged in radio experimentation throughout the late 1920s and the 1930s as well as the first television experiments in Queensland. There is some suggestion that they continued to use the building to store equipment until 1949.

In May 1945 the Brisbane City Council decided to preserve the historic value of the Tower Mill and in 1950 major restoration work was carried out and the park was landscaped in 1951.

In 1962, a report detailed the poor condition of the Tower Mill and in 1967 the council decided to floodlight the Tower Mill with amber lighting for the Warana parade.

In 1973 the University of Queensland gained permission for changes to the park boundaries so that an access road could be built to its Dental Hospital, located at the rear of the reserve.

There is a gap in the record until 1988 when the Brisbane City Council undertook large-scale repair and renovation works which included the erection of a replacement flagpole (the original was removed in 1949) and the removal and replacement of all the cement render on the tower. Also in 1989 Whitmore used techniques of industrial archaeology to investigate the extant structure of the tower and to assess it in terms of its history.

The tower was then placed on the Queensland Heritage list in 1992.

Currently in 2013 it is now used as a weather observatory.

Nearby, is the current Metro Hotel Tower Mill, which had been called the Tower Mill Motel.

Location: Wickham Tce Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia

When you next visit Brisbane or want to be close to the CBD and near the Old Tower Mill, book a stay at the Metro Hotel Tower Mill next door.

Metro Hotel Tower Mill offers guests panoramic views of the Brisbane city centre and surrounding suburbs from your own private balcony.

The hotel is only 600m from the CBD and major shopping centre, 500 metres from central station Brisbane city council operates a free loop bus service from just outside the hotel.

If a friend or a family member are at the Brisbane Private Hospital (Formerly known as The Holy Spirit Hospital) Metro Hotel Tower Mill is the perfect choice as you could not ask for a more conveniently positioned hotel just minutes walk away.

Features:

Ground floor restaurant & bar
Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
ATM in reception area
Complimentary Foxtel TV
All rooms are 100% Smoke free
Conference and function facilities

Location of Metro Hotel Tower Mill: 239 Wickham Tce Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia

For Bookings: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/brisbane-hotels/metro-hotel-tower-mill-5
Specials @ Metro Hotel Tower Mill: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special
Phone: +61 7 3832 1421
Email: towermill@metrohg.com

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Winter Warmer ~ Weekend in The City Package

Metro Hotel Tower Mill is offering this Winter Warmer Weekend in the City special for $123.00* per night staying in an executive double room including:

2 full hot buffet breakfasts
Free car parking
Free wireless Internet
Late check out till 12 noon

Book this Winter Warmer Weekend in the City at Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Phone (07) 3832 1421

View Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Terms and Conditions:

Available Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights until the end of August*
*limited numbers, block out dates apply.
Valid from beginning June to end of August
Block out dates; June 8 (lions v reds), June 21-23 (Lions v Oz) and Aug 9-11 (Ekka)

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

André Rieu to Tour Australia - The Waltz Tour Goes On

Violin master André Rieu, one of the best-selling live acts in the world, is delighted to announce he is returning to Australia with a brand new show in October 2013. Called "And The Waltz Goes On Tour", the tour is named after his successful album on which he collaborated with Sir Anthony Hopkins. Rieu will perform in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Billboard ranked his 2011 tour as the 9th highest grossing tour of the year, just behind Lady Gaga. He has broken all classical concert records, packing stadiums and arenas with more than 700,000 adoring fans each year. Rieu has sold over 32 million albums globally and received 330 platinum awards for his albums. With his natural charisma, Rieu conducts his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and plays his 1732 Stradivarius violin to create a celebratory atmosphere.

"Every night when I play around the whole world, I see with my own eyes what the waltz does with the audience. People get out of their seats and waltz in the aisles spontaneously. They sing, they smile and for a moment they forget all their worries and are happy. That is why this tour is an ode to the waltz!" says André Rieu.

As always, the maestro and his orchestra will perform beautiful waltzes on this tour, but the concerts are much more than that. From famous Viennese operettas to film scores, spirituals to musicals, and from folk songs to marches; Rieu's concerts are a perfect mix of thrilling, romantic, festive and emotional melodies combined with surprises, balloons, beautiful soloists and of course Rieu's great sense of humor.

So far, 2012 has been a hugely successful year for the violinist. Rieu gave a record breaking series of 30 sold-out concerts in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He won a Classic BRIT award for his album "And The Waltz Goes On" and is nominated for a prestigious Mexican Luna award. With his first tour in Brazil Rieu reached the #1 position in Pollstar’s Box Office Chart of highest grossing tours in July. Leaving behind artist like Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, Coldplay, Celine Dion, The Black Keys and Pearl Jam.

TOUR DATES*:

Sat 12 Oct - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Wed 16 Oct - Allphones Arena Sydney
Sat 19 Oct - Rod Laver Arena Melbourne
Wed 23 Oct - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Tue 29 Oct - Perth Arena
*Ticketek is selling for the above venues only.

Monday, August 20, 2012

My Experiences With My Recent Stay In Brisbane

This is a copy of an email that I sent to booking.com when they asked me about my experiences with my recent stay in Brisbane.

To Whom It May Concern,

The email that you apparently sent to me inquiring about my stay at the Hotel named in the Subject Line, was blocked by my Computer.

I do not know why – it was apparently for some security reason – so I am sending you my answer here.

My Experience.

As I had prepaid, I booked into the Soho without too much of a problem. However I later realised that I had incorrectly booked for one night less than I had intended to stay.

1. To stay an extra day, I was asked to pay an additional $265.00

2. When I approached reception the next day to reluctantly agree, the price had gone up to $285.00. I inwardly decided not to pay this ransom demand. I was quite annoyed but did not indicate it. I left reception saying that I would think on it. I was advised that as the “EKKA” was on, there were no rooms available anywhere in Brisbane – like it or lump it! The money that I had prepaid to the Soho was non-refundable. If I chose NOT to stay there, I would forfeit it all (around $1000.00) “They had me!”

3. In frustration, I contacted the Metro Tower Mill Hotel just 3 doors down from the Soho and was told that they had several rooms available. I booked the extra night there, and when the realistic price I was given was $160.00 for the night, I was even more staggered. I will use them again whenever I travel/stay in Brisbane.

My summation on my experience.

1. Essentially I was lied to by the Manager of the Soho.

2. I (and others) found the Front of House staff to more than a little rude and condescending to deal with.

3. The hotel does not have a lift.(almost every hotel today has a lift!)

4. The rooms at the Soho are quite small and outfitted (in my view) most inadequately and were what I considered to be inferior and poorly outfitted. The hotel is quite old by current standards (although some “older” hotels are magnificently kept and maintained.) Fittings and furnishings were mediocre.

5. I witnessed one international guest, who had paid and booked in earlier than me, return to reception to complain that the room size was much smaller than expected. He was summarily (and a little curtly) dismissed by the front desk manager as a trouble maker. When the manager seen me looking a little taken aback about it all, she just gave me a smirk and later said “foreigners – you can never please them.”

6. The guest went away unhappy because it was plain that he was not going to get a refund, regardless. He could also not get a larger room, they were all the same size!. I became a little worried because I had prepaid for a week. I could see the same thing happening to me, so I shut my mouth!. When I was given a key, ushered out of reception and told to take the stairs, key in hand (yes, key – no cardkeys in this place – or a lift!) When I entered the room, I realised just what the gentleman was complaining about.

To sum up, I am trying to be non-judgemental here, but the two establishments are like “Chalk and Cheese”. It is not usually my desire or place to make these kinds of comment, but you did ask.

Comparing the “Soho” to the “Metro Mill Inn” just 3 doors down. For price and value for money, there just is no comparison. At the Metro, he staff were friendly, helpful and professional. After paying, I was given my Key Card and personally shown to my room, via the Lift. The room was on the 7^th of 10 floors. Considering my age and health, had I had to climb stairs, I don’t think that I would have made it. My impressions in comparison with where I had spent the last 6 days…. The room was most spacious, modern, clean, well appointed. It was a quiet and better place to stay. Although my stay with them was but one day, I was afforded every courtesy. (and no! I knew/know no one there. Nor had I ever set foot in the place before.)

In Summation.

The Soho

The images shown in your website are of cute lamps on tables and other close ups. This sort of “sell” does not show the potential customer a good representation of the actual rooms. Shots such as the “swishy” picture of a womans’ back as she entered the Reception area, actually shows just how small it really is (interestingly though, they cut out the softdrink fridges that makes the room look more like a convenience store.)

They do have a restaurant in the place, but it is in the basement area and is not even represented in the shots, even though the food is quite pleasent. (I think that is because it is “run by others”) Other images show shelves etc. in the bathroom but not much else. The advert promises “ Best Price Guaranteed” and a rating of “Very Good - 8.4”.

Metro Hotel Tower Mill (images on your same website),

Show the real deal and a realistic room rate! All you have to do is compare the two side by side and you will know the one at which you would rather stay. I do NOT have to use words here, the photos on your pages speak volumes!. The advert promises “ Best Price Guaranteed” and “Good - 7.7”.

But just what do you base those ratings on? (It seems that they are back to front)

They confuse me a little when your spreads actually (to me) make the Metro shine over the Soho (or is this perhaps just a little subtle bias showing through?)

To be honest with you, now that I have undertaken this exercise, methinks that a more truthful and realistic appraisal of the various establishments would be much more helpful and useful to the observer, in aiding them to make a choice. Let me assure you that, the next time I browse the internet looking for a place to stay ANYWHERE, I will look a little closer at your (and now other) pages and try to assess with a much more wizened set of eyes.

It may be that what I have written might not be quite what you were looking for, but maybe it is time for your critiques to be more realistic, or penned by someone who actually does stay at the various locations. Give the reader something genuine and realistic that he or she can actually base a choice on. Maybe some regulation as to what must be included in any critique could include such things as realistic room sizes and appointments, including bathrooms, etc.